Mercedes part interchange and reuse, almost zero?

[jester69]

I come from the world of VW where the same basic engine was used for 40 years to be replaced with the same basic watercooled 4 cyl that has been in use since 1975. Pretty much anything will bolt into anything with a couple of mounts welded up & some elbow grease.

The mercedes world is a bit new to me, and I keep looking for the parts interchanges, but don't find many at all. Is it just that there aren't near as many of them, or am I looking all wrong.

My main question is if a 220d transmission would fit in a 280s, so far it looks like a definite no idea, heh. Now that I found the online parts catalog I can figure it out pretty easily, but some intercanges aren't obvious from the manual.

Perhaps this could be the beginning of a reference thread where everyone posts every interchange they know of. Details like, how you found the interchange, what is it from, what it goes in, part numbers, chassis codes, engine codes etc. plus, other parts that must be changed, and why such a cross might be desireable... (i/e higher horsepower, more gears, better cruising rpm's etc.)

take care,

Jester

[Tomguy]

There are a LOT of interchangeable things, but I dont think a diesel tranny onto a gas engine is a good idea - IF you could get it to work. I bet Charles or Chuck would know the answer!

There are too many interchangeable things to list in here. Not all are identical, but some will yield improvements on some vehicles while on others, they'll be bad moves. For example, one I did myself, 3.5 heads on a 4.5 engine will increase your compression - conversely, 4.5 heads on a 3.5 engine will let you run on 87, but you wouldn't even think about it. Lots of people don't want to do the welding, but almost any modern V8 Benz engine will fit into a 108 or 109 chassis I believe.

Some info for ditching the old york compressors in favor of the sanden units:

York A/C Compressor Overhaul Kit???

cheers,
dan r.

[jester69]

Diesel transaxles are likely stronger than the gas equivalent due to torque snapping things easier than horespower. Since the MB has a rear end with changeable ratios, it seems possible to me.

Originally Posted by Tomguy

There are too many interchangeable things to list in here. Not all are identical, but some will yield improvements on some vehicles while on others, they'll be bad moves. For example, one I did myself, 3.5 heads on a 4.5 engine will increase your compression

I would disagree about the too many to list, here is an example of the kinds of information I am used to having...

http://not2fast.wryday.com/vw/stuff/vw_engines.shtml

http://www.scirocco.org/gears/

So,
3.5 heads to a 4.5 engine raises the compression.
(how much of an increase? squish height? Valve sizes?)

4.5 heads to a 3.5 engine lowers the compression
(useful for turbo, is squish consistent? how much lowering?)

That much is enough to give someone a start, and if everyone that learns of such a tidbit had a central place to put it, soon we could have something quite useful, to me anyway

take care,

Jester

[t walgamuth]

question, is it an automatic or stick? and what years?

actually there is quite a bit of interchangability. spindles and brakes are two examples of interchangability through a wide range of models. wheels too. some trannys and lots of body parts.

this allows some pretty simple brake upgrades for good results and other things

tom w

[cth350]

the transmission interchanges are covered in prior threads pretty heavily. Pretty much all the standard trannys interchange as long as the clutch throw outs are the same, there are three varieties (or is it four?). On the automatics, keep the engine size the same.

There is a gotcha around 1968 where the drive-shaft connection flange changed. You will need find a match. Also, every car has a slightly different length drive shaft.

Lastly, the shift rod length is different for 4, 5 & 6 cylinder cars. The shifter for a 5-speed is different than one for a 4-speed.

-CTH
PS. Yes, it's four varieties, when you add in the top shift vs side shift controls.

[t walgamuth]

in the 115 cars the engines all sit back against the firewall so the ds and shift rods will prob be same length.

on the 123 cars the front of the motor is in the same place so the rods and ds are different.

tom w

[gmog220d]

I have a question about what engines will work in a '73 220 Diesel. Will a 616 from a 240D replace the 615 that came in the 220D? Any weird mods that must be done?

Thanks!

[djd]

An interchange forum is a good idea.
My 250S has what looks like a Chevy alternator installed by the PO.
Dennis

[t walgamuth]

i would think it would be a bolt in to the 220.

later engines would require some extra work making them less desireable as a swap.

tom w

[gmog220d]

The 240 is indeed the 123 body, while the 220 is 115. Their engines are different models (615 in the 220; 616 in the 240). I'm looking for someone who might have experienced installing the later model engine from a 240 in a 220.

I ask because I have a '73 220D with a frozen engine (PO was a clueless lady). I have access to several engines from 240Ds that don't cost much. I'd like to find a used engine to hold me over 'til I can build a fresh engine for the beast.

So, if putting a 240D engine into the 220D has been done, and someone can tell me what it took to make it happen, I will be most grateful.

Thanks!

[t walgamuth]

your duplicate thread or similar.

i would keep looking for a 240 from a 115 body.

tom w

[gmog220d]

Yep - I found the other thread about engine interchange.

Thanks!

[Hirnbeiss]

That means basically "busy work for job security". It's common at huge German companies, where they can't easily let excess employees go. It's relevant to the topic because Mercedes takes the attitude: "Why re-use the part if you can design a new one?" It keeps engineers employed redesigning brackets.

Every part number on your car that starts with the car's model number (e.g., A124 or A210) was designed first for that car. I'm sure it's a higher percentage for MB than any other carmaker.

[t walgamuth]

percentage of what?

sorry, i dont understand your point.

tom w